Aluminum flywheel question

acaskie · #1 (**permalink**) 10-20-2004, 11:06 AM

Does switching to an aluminum flywheel have any effect on the overall balance of the rotating assembly? would a different damper be required, perhaps?

John Poling · #2 (**permalink**) 10-20-2004, 11:23 AM

I have been led to believe no to both of your questions, as long as you use the same weighted flywheel that the assembly was produced with. 28oz or 50oz.

I have been also led to believe that an Aluminum flywheel will allow quicker revving.

Anyone else?

John

flipper35 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-20-2004, 12:27 PM

You won't need a new damper, but if you had the engine balanced it is a good idea to have the flywheel balanced also. If it is just factory balanced you just need to make sure the flywheel is the same type of balance, internal or external.

Cobra20646 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-20-2004, 12:34 PM

Oh No

Al, this billet thing that you're on has no end to it eh?

Clois Harlan · #5 (**permalink**) 10-20-2004, 12:51 PM

The Aluminium Flywheel is great. John is absolutely right, your engine will rev much quicker and crisper and no you don't need to buy a new balancer (but it is a good idea if your's has cracks in it or apears weathered).

Clois

acaskie · #6 (**permalink**) 10-21-2004, 07:25 AM

Thanks to all for the input.

Jim,

It's not for me. I'm inquiring for a friend.

mickmate · #7 (**permalink**) 10-21-2004, 10:15 AM

Bear in mind they rev quicker in all applications. If you considerably lighten your rotating mass it accelerates/decellerates easier. When you bang it down a gear to slow the car it will now try and speed the flywheel (engine RPM) up. We have seen this on SCCA beemers where they over rev and bend valves on a downshift with a light flywheel. The other thing flywheel weight helps with is a drag or standing start. In a light car like a Cobra it shouldn't be an issue but in a Galaxie.........
Cheers Nick

BruceT · #8 (**permalink**) 10-21-2004, 12:47 PM

What is the weight difference in a standard steel flywheel and aluminum? (351)

DAVID GAGNARD · #9 (**permalink**) 10-21-2004, 01:41 PM

My aluminum flywheel weighs in at 15 pounds,but it has a steel insert where it contacts the clutch,the ones without the steel insert weigh 13 pounds,I have only weighed one stock steel flywheel and it weighed 30 pounds,but I would guess 30 pounds to be the average for stock factory steel flywheels............

David

Ken Williams · #10 (**permalink**) 01-02-2005, 02:27 PM

with an aluminum flywheel,,isn't the initial mass lighter? I mean with the lighter wheel the intertia is less and it is easier to stall the engine upon takeoff??? (less rotating mass)

Zoom This · #11 (**permalink**) 01-02-2005, 02:54 PM

I have an 18 lb. aluminum flywheel in my 418 stroker and it has worked out just fine for me. Yes, the motor does rev quicker....what's not to like about that?? Also, when you are up high in the power band and you back off the gas, it's like someone appiled the brakes on deceleration. Real nice when you're dicin' it up thru the curves.

got snake? · #12 (**permalink**) 04-08-2005, 05:25 AM

Will aluminum flywheels warp under normal driving conditions? I bought one and am now asking this question. But hey better now then never.

Sid

Excaliber · #13 (**permalink**) 04-08-2005, 08:16 AM

FWIY, weight saving on a car:
One pound of rotating weight is worth three pounds of static weight in terms of performance. Add some light weight tires and wheel and get a carbon drive shaft while your at it!